GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of legendary horseman Doug Carpenter of Sulphur, Oklahoma. Following a 2 week hospital stay, Doug passed away due to complications from COVID-19. He was just 64 years old.
Doug, who literally wrote the book on Western Pleasure, was known throughout the industry for training such iconic horses as Hotrodders Jet Set, Docs Bo Doll, Racy Rumors, and Miss Surely Bars, just to name a few. In addition to Western Stock Horse events, Doug transcended many other facets of the industry with connections to several great horses within the Cow Horse, Cutting, Reining, and most recently, Thoroughbred industries.
Outside of horses, Doug enjoyed photography and wrote a best-selling book entitled “Western Pleasure – Training and Showing to Win” which was written in 1995.
Doug is survived by his wife Gwen, daughters Kelly and Katie, and granddaughter, Emma. Our condolences go out to his family and everyone in the horse community who knew and loved “Carp.” He was undoubtedly one of the greatest the industry has ever known.
We will continue to update as arrangements are made final.
Click here to read an interview Doug did with GoHorseShow in February 2010 with his great friend and protege Troy Compton.
